KUANTAN, 9 October 2024 - Seminar Program on Witness Protection organized by the Protection Division, Prime Minister's Department (BPJPM), was officiated by YDH CP Dato' Sri Yahaya bin Othman, the Chief of Police of Pahang.
The seminar was organized with the aim of providing information regarding protection authority to program participants under the Witness Protection Act 2009 [Act 696]. This Act is the only legislation that provides for a witness protection program to address the issue of threats and intimidation towards key witnesses in serious criminal cases, especially organized crime and syndicate-related cases, and those involving public interest.
One of the key aspects of the program was the presentation of Paper 1 on the "Protection of Security and Welfare of Witnesses from the Perspective of the Witness Protection Act 2009 [Act 696]" by YBrs. Tuan Khairul Anwar bin Zakaria @ Abdul Hamid, Director-General of BPJPM.
The program continued with the presentation of Paper 2 and Paper 3 by YBrs. Puan Nur Hidayah Raihan binti Md. Nasir, Registrar of BPJPM. These presentations explained the investigation procedures for considering entry into the Witness Protection Program and the effectiveness of the Witness Protection Program in court proceedings in ensuring witness safety.
It is hoped that this seminar will enhance the understanding of Act 696, through which witness protection can be applied for by individuals or enforcement agencies, specifically in the state of Pahang and in Malaysia generally.
